The Journal ofThe Vatican Philatelic Society

The Rrst Philatelic Society In The United states Devoted Exclusively to and Roman states Stamps

Volume 48, No.6 May, 2000

NEW ISSUES The.Popes and the Holy Years 1750 - 2000 By Tom Crimando

On February 4, Vatican City issued the final series The souvenir sheet commemorates the Holy of stamps commemorating the Holy Years. The se- Year 2000. On the right side is a 2,000 lire stamp and ries consists of nine stamps and attached seals fea- seal with the same speci- turing portraits and coats of arms of Popes associ- fications as those listed ated with the Holy Years of 1750 to 2000, as well as above; however, the a souvenir sheet. They were designed by Irio Ottavio stamp features a portrait Fantini. The stamp values and subjects are as fol- of Pope John Paul II that lows: differs from that in the 300 lire - Pope Benedict XIV (1750) regular sheet stamp. At the top of the souvenir sheet 400 lire - Pope Pius VI (1775) is the inscription 1300 - 2000 I PAPI E GLI ANNI 500 lire - Pope Leo XII (1825) SANTI - ANNO SANTO 2000 - GIOVANNI 600 lire - Pope Pius lX(1875) PAOLO II. At the left side of the sheet is a picture of 700 lire - Pope Leo XIII (1900) a kneeling Pope John Paul II with the Papal Tiara 800 lire - Pope Pius XI (1925) and Crossed Keys in the background; the words 1,200 lire - Pope Pius XII( 1950) CITTA DEL VATI- 1,500 lire - Pope Paul VI (1975) CANO are in the lower 2,000 lire - Pope John Paul II (2000) right comer ofthe sheet. The stamps and attached seals each measure The sheet measures 137 35 x 35 mm. and have a x 103 mm. perforation of 13 3/4. The .Bundesdruckerei of Germany printed The name of the Pope both the stamps and the souvenir sheet using the off- and the Holy Year appear set process. The total printing was 450,000 complete at the top of each stamp series of stamps and 200,000 souvenir sheets. and seal. The Papal Tiara Pope Benedict XIV pre- and Crossed Keys as pared for the Holy Year well as the value are at the bottom of the stamps, of 1750 with extraordi- while the words CITTADEL VATICANO appear at nary care and piety, con- the bottom of both the stamps and seals. The seals centrating on its spiritual also include, in the upper right comer, the original significance while keep- name and birth-death years of each pope. The stamps ing in mind the practical arrangements necessary for were issued in sheets of 5 stamps and 5 seals. the large number of pilgrims (Cont. on page 4) FROM THE PRESIDENT ~tt~~.~B~y:trot~s By PRESIDENT THOMAS I. CRIMANDO of the This issue includes the ballot for our biennial elec- VATICAN PHILATELIC SOCIETY tions as well as our annual awards. Organized 1953 One of these, the Veritas Award, is presented to the ••• American Philatelic Society Affiliate # 129 author of the best article appearing in the Vatican ... Notes during the past year. I urge all of our members Dennis P. Brady, Editor Dan Celani, Publisher to review the articles of the past year and vote for the 4897 Ledyard Drive 19622 Webster Manlius, NY 13104 Clinton Twp., MI48035 author that you feel is most deserving of this award. [email protected] [email protected] The President's Award is presented to a member in OFFICERS recognition of his outstanding service to the VPS. VICE PRESIDENT PRESIDENT However, elected officers and recent recipients are Thomas I. Crimando Rev. Charles Tuttle 8143 Mill Road P.O. Box 189 not eligible for this award. Bergen, NY 14416 Breese, IL 62230 The Board of Governors has decided to hold a special contest for authors of articles in the Notes. SECRETARY TREASURER Next year, in addition to the Veritas Award, the au- John F. Schorn Joseph Scholten thor of the best article will receive a Mexican Postal 3900 Elby St. 1436 Johnston St. SE Silver Spring, MD 20906-4415 Grand Rapids, MI 49507-2829 Administration presentation folder featuring the stamp and souvenir sheet commemorating Pope John APPOINTED CHAIRMAN MEMBERSHIP AUCTIONEER Paul II's 1990 and 1999 visits to Mexico. I wish to Sal Quinonez Rev. Charles Tuttle thank one of our members, Senor Manuel Angel 2 Aldergate, Apt 119 P.O. Box 189 Riverhead, NY 11901 Breese, IL 62230 Hanon Oliva, for generously donating this folder to our Society. It is our hope that this contest will en- PONTIFICAL STATES SLIDE CHAIRMAN Rev. Floyd A. Jenkins, SJ Michael D. Kinney courage more of our members to contribute articles Loyola University 1430 Daly Ave. to our publication. P.O. Box 45041 Wis. Rapids, WI 54494 Los Angeles, CA 90045 [email protected] Finally, if you have access to the Internet and Q & A CHAIRMAN have not yet done so, I encourage you to look up our ADVERTISING John F. Schorn Dennis P. Brady 3900 Elby St. official Homepage and tell other collectors about it. 4897 Ledyard Drive •Silver Spring,MD 20906-4415 It may be found at: [email protected] Manlius, NY 13104 [email protected] members. tripod. corn/Dcelani/index -VPS .html. LIBRARIAN & I wish to thank our publisher, Dan Celani, for setting ADVISORY COUNCIL INDEX Francis 1. Lafferty Friar Bernard Barry, OFM up and maintaining our Homepage. 12 Bordeaux PI Mt. St. Francis Retreat Centre Swedesboro, NJ 08085-1804 P.O. Box 220 Cochrane, AB Canada TOLOWO BACK ISSUES CHAIRMAN DUES ARE NOW DUE!! Dan Bayer TRANSLATION (APS) Please use the dues envelope Box 26821 Dmytro Bykovetz, Jr. Shawnee Mission, KS 902 Melrose Park included with this issue and 66225-6821 Philadelphia, PA 19126 [email protected] remit your dues promptly. GOVERNOR AT LARGE GOVERNOR AT LARGE W.M. Wickert Frederick J. Levitsky 3348 Clubhouse Rd. Also please note the Veritas and 13 Lesley Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23452 President's Awards provisions Auburn, MA 01501 [email protected] [email protected] for voting included Neither Vatican Notes nor The Vatican Philatelic Society can be on the dues envelope. held liable, or in any way responsible for the content of any advertisement appearing within these pages. All claims, offers, The rules for voting are given on guarantees, statements, etc., made by Vatican Notes' advertisers page 11 of this issue. are solely the responsibility of the advertiser. Deceptive or mis- Please Vote! leading advertising is never knowingly accepted. 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~atiran QIit1J ~ I~t~ INSIDE THIS ISSUE ITALY.SANMARINO • SERVICE Popes and the Holy Years 1750-2000 Complete Comprehensive Coverage Tom Crimando· . . • • . • • • . • . • • • . 1 To Highlight Your Personalized Collection President's Letter o MINT SETS 0 GOLDEN SERIES FDC Tom Crimando· . . • • . . • . . . . • . . . 2 o MINT BLOCKS OGOLDSERIES.MAXCDS Doctors of the Church o USED SHEETS 0 SILK FDC DOFFICIAL FOLDERS OSPECIAL EVENTSCANC. Michael Siegfried. • • • • • • • • • • • • .5 o ACTAS DOFFICIAL COIN SETS Official Ballot· ••••.••.••...... ·7 o DECREETOS DOFFICIALPOSTALCDS Auction o THE TRAVELS OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II Rev. Charles Tuttle • • • • • • • • • • • • •8 New Members· . . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • . . . 10 VATICAN YEAR SETS VATICAN AIR LETTERS INCL. AIR l\IAILS Auction Results 1996 MINT $1.25 1996 CPL MINT $37.75 FOC ...... •...... $1.50 Rev. Charles Tuttle· • • • • • • • • • • • • 10 1995 CPL MINT $33.95 1995 MINT $1.25 1994 CPL MINT $37.50 FOC $1.50 Veritas and President's Award Rules· •••••• 11 1994 MINT ....•..•...... •...... $1.50 1993 CPL MINT $33.00 FOC ...... •...... •..•....•...... • $1.60 Women at the Vatican 1992 CPL MINT $43.50 1993 MINT ...... •...... $1.60 Join Our New Issue .... FOC ...... •...... •••.•.•.•. $1.75 Lois Lunsford Corbin' •••••••••• 12 (Service ...& Save) Everyday Cancellations SPECIALI VATICAN CITY "Coronation J.P. II 3/79 Nils Runqvist· ••••••••••••••• 14 NATIVITY '95 Cane. Cover $3.95 FOC $1.50" PEACE OAY '96 Cane. Cover $3.95 "Coronation Pope Paul VI Special Cancellations FOC $1.50" EASTER '96 Cane. Cover $3.95 Frederick Levitsky- ••.•••••••.• 15 APS P.O. Box 8896 Zeppelin Cover Talbot A. Fuerst VPS Coral Springs, FL 33075 1-98 Rev. Edward Mullowney, SSJ· ••••• 16

VATICAN NOTES -May, 2000 Page 3 (Cont. from page 1) Church shared Italy's grief in response to the assassination who would come to . He entrusted their spititual prepa- of King Humbert I. A large number of pilgrims traveled to rations to the most famous Rome due in part to the popular new means of transporta- preachers of the time. In a tion, the train. highly significant ecumeni- Pope Pius XI announced the Jubilee of 1925 with cal appeal the Pope ac- three: world peace, Christian unity, and resolution of the knowledged non-Catholics status of the Holy Land. It was the first Holy Year after the by praying that the Holy devastating spectacle of the First World War. It was also the Year would be a year of rec- first Holy Year that saw pilgrims travel to Rome by air- onciliation for all. plane. The Jubilee of 1775 was announced by Pope Clem- The next Holy Year was also celebrated shortly af- ent XIV but was opened, celebrated, and closed by Pope ter a horrible conflict: World War II. Pope Pius XII insis- Pius VI. At that time the major European states were ruled tently reminded the faithful of the many people still suffer- by "enlightened despots" who were often at odds with the ing from poverty and from lack of political and reli- church. The number of pilgrims was somewhat lower than .~-~--~- .... ;. -":"1'" ~=.: expected, possibly because of governmental and intellec- •...... •. .•. j gious freedom. The climax $' -.-, -,,,-,-. . ",,,.,,,- .... , . tual hostility to religion at that time. Europe was about to •..•.. ow.•.•••.••.•••••..••.•.' '.••.•.••_..•••••..•...••••••...•••••.••••.•••.••...." j. ofthe 1950 Jubilee was the ' .. :. ;;. .iI'- enter a period of dramatic upheavals that would culminate ,. .:.i proclamation of the Dogma in the French Revolution of 1789 -1799. trt'r.Ill'!~'~ .CldiI1lU~ of the Assumption of the - . After the death of Pope Pius VI in exile in France - - .-'.~ Virgin Mary into Heaven. in 1799, Pius VII was elected Pope; however, social and At it's closing, the Pope an- political unrest prevented the celebration of the Jubilee of nounced the discovery of the tomb of St. Peter, beneath the 1800. Pope Leo XII therefore celebrated the next Holy Year great dome designed by Michelangelo. in 1825. It took place dur- Pope Paul VI celebrated the Jubilee of 1975 in the ing the time of restoration name of renewal and reconciliation. Since it followed the to power of European rul- Second Vatican Council, it was an ecumenically inspired ers, which followed the Holy Year of great cultural, defeat of Napoleon and the religious, spiritual, and -- Congress of Vienna in moral significance. Al- 1815. It was a somewhat though it was the first Holy "sober" Jubilee in that the Pope ordered the closing of tav- Year of the television era, erns and other public establishments as a reaffirmation of almost 10 million pilgrims tile obligations of fasting and chastity. The Pope himself visited Rome. There were gave personal example of great devotion and humility by many visiting the churches barefooted several times, promoting meetings of great significance for the Church and the world processions, as well as visiting hospitals and charitable in- at large. In one of these, the Pope showed great humility in stitutions. He also oversaw the rapid reconstruction of the kissing the foot of the Orthodox Metropolitan of Basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls, which had been de- Constantinople. stroyed by a terrible fire in July 1823. This brings us to the Holy Year of 2000, celebrated Pope Pius IX could not celebrate the Holy Year of by Pope John Paul II, whose history is currently unfolding 1850 because a popular uprising had forced him to flee from before us. Rome in 1848 and the overall political climate did not per- mit the celebration of a Jubilee. He refused to accept the establishment of Rome as the capital of the in 1870 and conse- quently inaugurated the Holy Year of 1875 with only the Clergy in attendance and without the ritual opening of the Holy Doors. During this Jubilee the faithful came to Rome pay homage to the Pope, rather than on pilgrimage. Pope Leo XIII announced and celebrated the Holy Year of 1900. Although he considered himself a prisoner of the Ital- ian Kingdom, he took the first steps towards ending the Church's isolation from Italian life. In July of that year the

Page 4 VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Doctors of the Church By Michael Siegfried

Docrores Ecclesiae is a title conferred by the Catho- noted Old Testament scholar, and many of his ser- lic Church on selected Christian scholars who have mons and catechumens survive. contributed to its doctrines. The requirements for the St. Augustine, the subject of (Scott187-188 distinction are a declaration by a pope conferring the and 779-782), was born in 354 AD in Thagaste in title, learning, and sanctity. Doctor means teacher. what is now Algeria to a ~·1 Doctors of the Church expand our understanding of pagan father and Christian Christianity through scholarship and teaching. Ca- mother. His mother won tholicism in particular and Christianity in general the religious struggle and would not be what it is today if not for them. Early Augustine was baptized Doctors are the intellectual Fathers of the Church who on Easter Sunday 387 AD. developed orthodox Catholicism. There are thirty- St. Ambrose performed three Doctors but not all appear on Vatican stamps. the ceremony. The event is depicted on (Scott 780). Nonetheless, the Doctors make an interesting topi- Augustine was a teacher and cal theme. Bishop of Hippo who lived in A Doctor's work is believed inspired by the Holy troubled times. The Roman Spirit. Their works interpret and elaborate revealed Empire was falling apart while religion but are not a substitute for it. The mysteries manv forms of paganism were of God are too profound for us to adequately under- gaining popularity. Augustine is stand, but to the extent of our comprehension, with best known for his Confessions all its errors, the Doctors clarify and reaffirm Chris- and the City ofGod. The Confes- tian faith. For example, all Christians believe in God, sions is a Christian classic many but most at times have doubts. Reading the proofs of are familiar with. In his younger God's existence by Aquinas and other Doctors is re- days, he led a less than moral life and his Confes- assuring. Over the centuries the Doctors have reaf- sions are a prayerful lamentation ofit and a record of firmed faith, guided individu- his spiritual journey. Manv Doctors wrote such trea- als in their spiritual journeys, tises. and spread the teachings of the In the City ofGod Augustine refutes pagans Church. and heretics while elaborating Christian orthodoxy.

St. Ambrose (Scott I051) was born to a noble Christian Roman family and f£~}:fl{f~~;1:~f[~I~~a~' became the most powerful was in the plan. According to Bishop in the Western Roman Augustine, Rome fell because it Empire. His family accorded him wealth that he do- was a, part of this world, or the nated to the Church upon becoming Bishop of . "terrestrial city." Only the "eter- Ambrose was often involved in politics with the nal city of God" lasts forever. Roman Emperor. He refuted heresies and excommu- Those who follow the flesh and ways ofthe world nicated the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius. have no hope, while those who follow God are des- Among his many works is Exposition on the Gospel tined for salvation. Augustine constantly studied according to Luke, On Duties, On Virgins, and On scripture. Scott 779 depicts him reading one of St. the Holy Spirit, which demonstrates the divinity of Paul's epistles. Christ. He was concerned with mystical theology, a Cont. on page 6

VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Page 5 cont. from page 5 Anthony's work assisted very well. His contribution Like his contemporary Augustine, Pope Leo is teaching. Penance and moral v-v-c- •• •••••••••••• the Great, (Scott 301 - 303), lived in the same instruction were central to his troubled times. In the few years between Augustine's thought. death and Leo's rise to the Papacy John, a very sick child of things got worse. Europe was un- 5, was brought to Francis of der siege by Attila the Hun. As the Assisi who had a reputation as a Roman Emperor became power- miracle worker. The touch ofthe less, the people of Rome turned future Saint effected the cure. to the Pope. Fortunately Leo was The child grew up to join the available. Elected Pope in 440 Franciscan Order taking the name Bonaventure, the AD, his Pontificate was filled with subject of Scott 558 - 560. He ultimately became the major secular and temporal prob- Order's Minister General. lems. The only other Pope given the title "the Great" Like his contemporary Aguinas, Bonaventure was Gregory I. Given the situation Leo facedit was was a scholar at . He was well deserved. appropriately the official biog- Leo negotiated with Attila in 452 AD to con- rapher of Saint Francis with his vince him not to conquer Italy. He further convinced Life of St. Francis. His works Geiserie the Vandal king to peacefully sack Rome. include Commentaries on the While Romans lost their property and dignity, they Sentences of Peter Lombard, did not lose their lives in a time when sacking also Disputed questions on the Mys- meant a massacre. Without the once mighty Roman tery ofthe Trinity, among others. legions, Leo had no choice and was fortunate to save He had an interest in mysticism people. and his work The Mind's Jour- Leo asserted Papal primacy. He adopted the ney into God, addressed it. old Roman title Pontifex Maximus, or "high " Aquinas was born into a Lombard noble fam- and argued the Pope acquired the power to bind and ily in 1225. His father hoped he would become a lose originally given to St. Peter and the Apostles. As Peter's successor, the Popes inherit it. The sym- bol of his power, the crossed keys and the title Pon- tificate Maximus are used by the Pope to this day. Leo's theology centers on Christology. A debate broke out with the Eastern Church on the nature of Christ, Divine of human. Leo's most noted work, the Tome ofLeo, represents the orthodox view that Christ had two natures, one Divine and one human. The Council of Chalcedon approved Leo's view in 451 AD. Leo wrote 96 sermons and many of his letters priest and rise in the Church. He rose in the Church survive. all right, but not as hoped. At the age of 5 he was The son of a Portuguese knight, Anthony, placed in the care of Benedictine monks for his edu- (Scott 993-995), studied for the priesthood and was cation. They were very pleased with their pupil. ordained sometime around 1220. He was a great Aquinas liked mediation and discipline. Both were speaker with an absolute mastery of the scriptures. offered in abundance in the monastery. Anthony's work consists primarily of sermons, the Aquinas rapidly became an outstanding Sunday Sermons and Feslal Sermons which are scholar and rose to a professorship in theology at guides for preaching. The Fourth Lateran Council Paris. Aquinas's collected works are massive, but his proclaimed spreading the word of God essential. best known is the (cont. on page 7)

Page 6 VATICAN NOTES - May. 2000 (Cant. from page 6) Summa Theologica. While difficult to read and te- Veritas and President's Award dious in its logic one cannot help but wonder at the depth of his insight. His work and method known as Printed on the dues envelope, enclosed with this Thomism are still admired and debated. Aquinas, the issue, are the candidates for this years awards. "angelic doctor" and prominent theologian is shown Annual dues are due teaching on Scott 555 -557. Also printed on the flap of the envelope, are the St. Catherine, Scott 335 - 337, was born the dues and postage fees for the coming year. twenty-fourth of twenty-five chil- Biennial election dren. At the age of 7 she saw a vi- sion of Christ and vowed herself to The official ballot for our biennial election is virginity. After receiving the habit of printed below. (Photo copies are acceptable for the "Sisters of Penance" she learned those who like to save the Vatican Notes intact) to read by enclosing herself in her i room for three years. She was one •,t All of these are due by July 1st. of the first women to teach and gain ! Why not you take care of it a following. She had mystical expe- :4 right now, while you riences and fasted a great deal. Dur- are thinking of it? ing the Avignon Papacy she got involved in politics by offering the Pope advice. Her most noted work is her Dialogue about her conversations with God. She was not a formal theologian but her intent is to make the Church's , , teachings understandable to the layperson. The things : Vatican Philatelic Society theologians talk about are real and need to be experi- • Official Ballot enced by believers. Catherine was primarily a teacher. • Election• of Officers 2000 - 2002 Like Augustine, Saint Teresa, Scott 710-712, recalled her early life as one of sin. She entered the • • President Carmelite Order in 1536 becom- • ___ Thomas I. Crimando ing noted for mysticism. In 1559 • • Vice President she had a mystical experience in • which an angel pierced her heart • ___ Rev. Charles Tuttle • • Secretary with a golden spear. This is de- • picted on Scott 711. • ___ John Schorn • Treasurer Her most noted works • are The Life, her spiritual biog- • ___ Joseph Scholten • raphy; The Interior Castle, a ••.•.•.._ ••••.•._,...,.,•..•••, : Vote for one candidate for each office. The By- work on mysticism, and The Way : laws prohibit write-in votes. All ballots must be of Perfection a guide for the Carmelite Order. Her : in the hands of the Secretary by July 1 to be work was received with skepticism and debated by the Inquisition. It gave approval to spread her teach- • valid. : ings in 1588. Saint Teresa was the first women named • As directed by the By-Laws, please return your : a Doctor ofthe Church and was declared such by Pope • completed ballot to: : Paul VI in 1970. • John Schorn : : 3900 Elby St. • • Silver Spring, MD 20906·4415 : , ~ VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Page 7 MAIL AUCTION SALE #SP1 0 IlL. VATICAN PHilATELIC SOCIETY AUCTION NOTE: Closing Date July 31, 2000 ..•...~~ '------Rev. Charles Tuttle, Auctioneer Cat. Description of Lot Minimum n:RIlIS OF SALE Lot Cat. Description of Lot Minimum Lot 1.All loti lold to highelt bidder It one raJ•• above the .econd No. No. Bid U.S.$ No. No. Bid U.S.$ highest bidder. Bid Increment 25 cents under $10.00and $1.00on lots or bid. of $10.00or more. *****$******************************** 32 C55-58 " S 1.50 2. All bids In U.S.Dollars. BId. for alternative lots cannot be 20.00 accepted. Purchas. limit will b. respected. Minimum Bids -----ROMAN STATES-Bolaffi numbers----- 33 E1-2',VF (MB)are lowest bid accepted for lot ------ST AMPS------34 E3-4 ", VF 2.00 3. Equal bid. will be considered In the ord.r of receipt. 4. The right Is r•• erv.d to withdraw any lots prior to the 11b ' 3 baj, chamois, w/4 frame Iine 750.00 35 E7-8', VF 2.00 closing dlte. 5. The catalogu. numbers are from scott unle•• otherwISe & Sorani's certificate; OG, VF-S 36 J1-6 • (foxing), F 10.00 noted. Numbers separated by a dash (1~) Indlcat. a 24 • 50 baj, blue touches top & righ' 200.00 37 J12 • 2nd printing (grey paper) 6.00 complete s.rle.. Numbers separated by a slash (119) 2 Indlcm tlrst and last stampof an Incompl.te s.ri.s. Roman signed Bloch, F 38 J13-18 ", VF 1.50 States are Bola1'ficatalogu. numbers. 6. Anylot Incorr.ctly described Is returnable within three days 3 28 ' 3 cnt, rose gray, OG, VF but th 200.00 39 Q1-15 • (some foxing), VF 15.00 of receipt. How.v.r, lots and collections of ten or more 40 14 0 wI trace of offset VF 1.50 stamps and/or lots of undescribed stamps are not 4 30 '5 c, grnsh bl, 5 lines, OG, VF-! 70.00 returnable for any reason. 5 391 ' 10 cent, orange verm, vert. pa 220.00 41 490 blk of 4 (not FD) VF 12.00 7. Submit bids on the auction bid sheet or a reasonabl. facsimile. Includ. your V.P.S.m.mb.rship numb.r. imperio between; signed, VF 42 752-540, S 4.50 8. Invoices will be sent within flv. days of Auction's closing 5.50 and lots forwarded upon receipt of all payments. Paym.nt In 6 43 ' 80 cent, pale rose, OG, VF 70.00 43 788-910, S U.S. Dollars only. Pleue walt until at least

NEW MEMBERS AUCTION RESULTS 3704 Herbert N. Niehaus 3717 Larry A. Dunn AUCTION #SP09 BIDDING RE- Tucson, AZ 85750-2518 Logansville, GA 30052-5133 SULTS: 16 Bidders made 70 bids of 3706 MichaelSiegried 3718 John D. Laino which 16 made 60 successful bids. Hartsville, SC 29550 Woodlawn, NY 11421-2727 The following lots were realized at 3707 Casper J. Furnari 3719 Louella Merin minimum bid: I 3 11-214161921 Brooklyn, NY 11205 New York, NY 10128 2730-1 35425260-277-885 107 3708 Edward Melnyczuk 3720 Harry Matte 133138152154160-9176188196- Cranford, NJ 07016 Santa Rose, CA 95409 8 204-5 217-8 220 228-9 232 237 3709 Nikola Markov 3721 John A. Aragona 240 and 251. Charlotte, NC 28269 Naples, FL 34113-7561 The following lots received more 3710 Maurice Rampone 3722 David Philip than one bid and went to the highert Port Jefferson, NY 11777 Orpingston- Kent bidder at one rise over the 2nd high- 3711 Robert Anzalone BRS 2BD England est bid: 24($46) 26(5.75) 51($13) 3723 Dr. Peter Jung Astoria, NY 11103 83($16) ] 53(1.25) 159(1.75) and A-1070 Wien, Austria 3712 Peter Jencius 202(4.50). 3724 Thurman Mattingly, Jr. Brooklyn, NY 17209 The following received a tied bid Dayton, OH 45459 3713 Albert J. Mirr with lot going to first bid received: 3725 Arthur E. Mayer N. Gurley, AL 35748 157 and 158. Flushing, NY 11358 3714 Charles Pattitucci Hope you find this information help- 3727 John Ginter Bridgeton, NJ 08302 ful in future Auctions. Phoenix, AZ 85029-1617 3715 George Niederauer Thank you for your participation in 3728 Charlie DiMercurio Salt Lake City, UT 84111 the Y.P.S. Auction. Saginaw, MI 48604 Auction #SP09 had a total of 3716 Frank Zalesti 3729 Mrs. Marie Michaud Norwralk, CT 0685' $1291.40 in sucessfu1 bids. Garden City, NY 11530-5130 Don Black Vatican Stamps Suite 402 405 Tarrytown Road White Plains NY 10607 Visit us on the web at www.donblack.com Major Credit Cards Accepted

Page 10 VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Rules for Veritas Award and President's Award ~£ritaz J\£naro Jr£zw£nf'z J\£nam The Veritas Award is presented to the member of The President's Award is presented to the member Vatican Philatelic Society who has been voted by who in the eyes of the membership has given the entire membership for reporting, writing and loyal and invaluable service to the Vatican Phila- presentation of philatelic journalism. telic Society. This award is given in appreciation Eligibility and is so-named to honor past presidents of the 1. Any writing appearing in the Vatican Society. Notes during the fiscal year is eligible for Eligibility this award. 1. Any member not an elected officer at 2. A ballot is prepared and included in the the time is eligible for this award. May issue with the title and author of all 2. Nominations and a blank space are on articles printed. the dues envelope included with this 3. Each member will select the writing by issue, with several suggested nominees, an author he considers best, mark the to be sent to the Secretary on or before ballot, and mail to the Secretary on or July 1. before July 1. 3. The nominee who receives the most 4. The winner is the author receiving the votes is the winner of the award. most votes. 4. Announcement of the award will be 5. Announcement of the award will be made in the next issue of Vatican Notes. made in the next issue of Vatican Notes.

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VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Page 11 Women at the Vatican Lois Lunsford Corbin Part II Saints Rhipsime and Gaiana Queen Dabrowska .Proselytizer Martyrs Two saints of the Armenian Church are Debrowska, Queen of Poland, consort associated with a 1973 Vatican issue (545- of King Mieszko I is shown on Vatican 433, 547), in addition to S10Merses Shnorali, whose together with the king; both of their portraits 800th anniversary of death the issue com- are the work of Jan Matejko (1838-1893), the memorates. great history painter of Poland. This Vatican Vatican 545 pictures the Church of S10 issue celebrated the millennium of the Hripsime, one of the oldest Christian churches Christianization of Poland, and it is most fit- in the world, located in the town of ting that both Dabrowska and Mieszko should Etchmiadzin. This square building with its appear on the stamp. central dome was rebuilt in the 7th century. Little is known of the life of Dabrowska The porch was added in 1653, and other work except that she was the daughter of Boleslaus, done in 1790. sovereign of Bohemia. This Czech princess Both Saints Rhipsims (Hripsime) and (Dobrava) is credited with converting her Gaiana are identified as Roman martyrs, but husband after their marriage in 966 to the their legend to date is wholly without any his- Roman Catholic faith. He in tum converted torical basis. One legend has it that they were his people, and indeed donated the entire members of a group of dedicated Christian country to the Holy See towards the end of women of Rome, under the leadership of S10 his life (he died in 922), but her son Boleslaw Gaiana, who fled to Armenia when Rhipsime I (died in 1025) continued firm in the faith, attracted the unwelcome attention of the Em- and united Poland. peror Diocletian. On their arrival in Armenia, they are said to have encountered the same Saint Clare of Assisi • Contemplative problem with King Tiridates. When Rhipsime repulsed him he had the whole community S10 Clare (l194-1253)was born at put to death. Assisi, into the noble Duccio family, rich in The legend of these two saints is asso- material possessions. She became the founder ciated with that of S10Gregory the Illumina- of the Minoresses or Poor Clares, who lived a tor (257?-332), founder and of life of extreme poverty and austerity, believed the Armenian Church. It is possible that both to be harder than that of any other order of were really local martyrs under Maximum nuns of the time. Her mentor and spiritual Daia. Regardless of the legendary basis of advisor was S10Francis of Assisi. their lives, both saints may be venerated for In March, 1212, after hearing St. Fran- the constancy of their witness, even unto cis preach, Clare left home and joined him at death.

Page 12 VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 Portiuncula, where she renounced all her pos- fered from serious illness. The recently dis- sessions and took the habit of a nun. Tempo- covered process of , conducted rarily, she was housed by the Benedictines less than two years after her death, give many until Francis was able to offer her and her vivid touches to the picture of a strong and companions a small house near the church of lofty sanctity, with extreme austerity of life San Damiano, Assisi. and an iliness of 39 years duration. The wit- There, in 1215, she became abbess of ness of the many miracles attributed to her, a community of women who wished to live including her sisters, the nuns of her commu- according to the rule and spirit of St. Francis. nity and the citizens of Assisi, all reveal an The community included in time Clare's wid- ardent, determined girl, grown into a com- owed mother and two of her sisters. Saint manding yet gracious woman. Francis gave Clare a short rule of life, and Shown on Vatican 169-170 is a portrait strict rules of diet, and there are indications of St. Clare of Assisi by Giotto (1276?-1377?); that she, in the matter of physical austerity, experts disagree as to whether the portrait is went even further than St. Francis would have from a fresco in the Church of Assisi, or from wished. the full-length portrait of her by Giotto in the Truly interpreting the ideals of St. Fran- Bardi Chapel, Church of Santa Croce, Flo- cis, St. Clare obtained from Pope Innocent III rence. a privilege guaranteeing absolute poverty to Ironically, this great contemplative was her community; that is, permission for her named patron of television by pope Pius XII nuns to live wholly on alms, without possess- because it is said that from her sickbed at ing any property either personal or commu- Damiano, on Christmas Eve, 1252, she saw nal. Various challengers were met by St. Clare and heard midnight mass which was being to keep this privilege of poverty', and indeed celebrated some miles away in the Basilica many of the daughter houses obtained dispen- of St. Francis. Her feast day is the 12th of sation from the ban on communal property, August. To Be Continued but never the community of San Damiano under St. Clare; indeed together with the com- ~------~ munities at Perugia and Florence, and at St. Dues are due now! : Clare's wish they obtained the privilegium Please use the envelope I paupertatis from Gregory IX, which enabled them to retain their original state of entire pov- enclosed with this issue : erty. and remit your dues : St. Clare never left her convent at promptly. I Assisi; she is recognized as one of the great medieval contemplatives, and she has been The payment is due by : called 'the most authentic expression of evan- July 1st, with a sur- : gelical perfection as understood by St. Fran- charge after that date. I cis of Assisi'. She guided her community for I forty years, during many of which she suf I

VATICAN NOTES - May, 2000 '------~Page 13 V4.TICA~ CIT~ ~V~V"'-()t\ '" C~~C~LIA TI()~S

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Cancellation honoring the celebration of Christmas, 1999. The cancellation reads: "Christ is Born - Alleluia - Jubilee Year 2000 A.D."

Cancellation marking the 33rd World Day of Peace, January 1, 2000. The cancellation reads: "Peace on Earth to those Beloved by God - Jubilee Year 2000 A.D."

Cancellation marking Vatican participation in the 52nd National Philatelic Convention of Rome - February 25 to 27, 2000.

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